The Grand Balcons walks are the big brothers of the Petit Balcons previously described. These two higher altitude walks are amongst the most popular in the valley, offering some of the best and most easily accessed views of the surrounding mountain ranges. (Expect them to be pretty busy during July and August).
The Grand Balcons in Chamonix
Two high altitude walks are amongst the most popular in the valley
The Grand Balcon Nord: Plan de l’Aiguille to Montenvers (Route 1)
Skirting along the north side of the valley, both the access and departure points of this walk are served by the lift system.
Starting point: Top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car station
Duration: 2h15
From the top of the cable car station, descend to the Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille and then take the path going off horizontally to the right to La Tapia (not to Chamonix via Plan du Trois or Pré du Rocher).
Once on this path, you can pretty much always see the route ahead meaning there's minimal opportunity to take a wrong turn.
Don’t forget to take a break to admire the views of the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc which will always be behind you in this direction. Having passed the sign to the Chalets du Blaitière (and continued straight on), the next junction you come to will give you a choice of route. To the left is a shorter but very narrow path that leads to Montenvers across steep gullies which can be dangerous if snow covered.
This route is not recommended if you have young children with you or if you are unsure of heights as the path drops away sharply in places. The better route to take (and the most scenic!) is the path that climbs up to the right to the Signal Forbes (2,198m). The additional effort is repaid in amazing views of Les Drus and the Mer de Glace that the other route does not offer. Once at the top, the path continues down to the Montenvers view point and the railway station.
The Grand Balcon Nord : Croix de Lognan to Le Lavancher (Route 2)
This is a lovely section of the Grand Balcon Nord that begins with a flat traverse through the ski area before dropping down through woodland and alpine meadows to the pretty village of Le Lavancher. Gravity is your friend the whole way!
Starting point: Croix de Lognan (1,975m)
Duration: 1h45
Start by taking the Grand Montets cable car up to the Croix de Lognan and then take the path on the right below the Bochard gondola and Marmottons chairlift.
At the Chalet de Plan Joran (closed in summer) continue straight on past the base of the Plan Rougon chairlift and follow the path into some beautiful larch forests.
When the route descends into a meadow beside the Chalets de la Pendant, you might want to take the time for a rest or a picnic – it’s a perfect spot with beautiful views of the Brévent and the Aiguilles Rouges!
Continue down and at the signpost, follow the path that descends through the forest. At this point, if you fancy a bit of uphill you can take the route to le Chapeau via the Tête des Prapators which joins the main route further down and eventually brings you out at Le Lavancher.
You can return to Chamonix by bus from the main road (RN 205) a short distance below Le Lavancher.
The Grand Balcon Sud
The Grand Balcon Sud takes you from the Col des Montets, beyond Argentière, down to Les Houches, passing through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve for much of the way. One of the most popular sections runs between Flégère and Brévent Plan Praz, a fairly level traverse that will take around 2h.
Starting Point: Top of the Flégère cable car, Les Praz
Duration: 2h
On exiting the top station of the Flégère cable car, drop down below it to a path that leads off horizontally to the right from the small Refuge de la Flégère.
Crossing a scree slope you can see the route ahead as far as the Alpage de la Charlanon (the liaison cable car between Charlanon and Flégère - only open in winter). Once across the meadow, you'll come to the bottom of the Charlanon ridge and then a small wood which brings you out above the Parsa Combe (Col Cornu chairlift).
The path continues up to the Planpraz plateau from where you will see the cable car and gondola stations below you. Doing the route in this direction gives you the best views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles de Chamonix, although it is equally popular to do it the other way and the gradient is ever so slightly in your favour!
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Alpine museum
Musée Alpin de Chamonix currently closed for renovations, planned reopening: June 2026
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
A modern museum dedicated to the history of Chamonix located on its oldest street
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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Crystal museum
Musée des Cristaux has a collection of minerals and crystals collected in the valley
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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Municipal library
Public library and exhibitions in central Chamonix with great kids section
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Everything you need to know about a visit to this iconic glacier and railway
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Le Comptoir de Plan Praz Restaurant and Café
Café and takeaway at the Brévent mid-station, ideal for those who want a quick sit-down snack
At Le Comptoir de Plan Praz in Chamonix, the food celebrates hearty alpine tradition with a refined touch. Expect comforting dishes like rich tartiflette, savory raclette, and melted cheese fondue, perfect after a day on the slopes. Fresh-baked breads, crisp seasonal salads, and homemade desserts add balance. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, offering authentic mountain flavors. Warm soups, generous meat platters and light vegetarian options ensure there’s something for every appetite and mood.
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Fœhn Restaurant
Mountain café at the top of the Flégère gondola for eat-in or take away
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
American cuisine, craft beers, cocktails, and homemade baked goods
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Good value sourdough pizza in the Neapolitan tradition, take away or delivered
Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, these pizzas are made with a sourdough crust prepared from mother yeast, two flours, sea salt, water and extra virgin olive oil, then left to rise for at least 72 hours for light, easy digestion. They use San Marzano and Yellow Datterini tomatoes and the freshest fior di latte mozzarella. With sustainability in mind, only a couple of organic meat options are offered, keeping the menu thoughtful and delicious.
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La Piazza Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views. If you're looking for authentic Italian pizza then try out La Piazza. It's right next to the nursery slopes at the Savoy and is the ideal place to refuel after a day skiing. Enjoy homemade pizzas and Apérol Spritz whilst admiring the mountains on their incredible terrace.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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Tandem paragliding
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with these qualified tandem paragliding specialists - All year round
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the Vallée Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
Safety advice
IGN3630 map is recommended
